Lucas Paqueta transfer in danger of collapsing as Manchester City left ‘gawking’ over West Ham United asking price
Lucas Paqueta’s potential transfer from West Ham to Manchester City may collapse due to the fee being quoted, according to talkSPORT.
The Sun journalist Alan Nixon reported on Friday (18 August) that the potential deal is “off” due to “confidential” issues.
But talkSPORT have reported that it is because Manchester City have been left “gawking” at the £85million asking price.
“Lucas Paqueta’s potential move from West Ham to Manchester City is in danger of collapsing, talkSPORT understands. West Ham have quoted Man City a fee in excess of £85million.
“The Hammers have also rejected a verbal offer of £70m from the reigning Premier League champions. This has left Man City gawking at the east Londoner’s asking price.”
Positive update
This is a very positive update for West Ham supporters, who really would have lost the plot had Paqueta made a switch to Manchester City.
There is, of course, still time for the Manchester outfit or indeed any other club to swoop in and complete a deal for the Brazilian before the summer transfer window closes.
For now, however, Paqueta is very much a West Ham player, with his importance to the club shown in their opening day clash against Bournemouth, where he played the entire 90 minutes in the 1-1 draw.
Moreover, the Brazil international played in defensive midfield as opposed to a more attacking role, filling in for former captain Declan Rice.
The 25-year-old may have been unhappy in that role, but he should be pushed further forward next time out given the recent arrivals of Edson Alvarez and James Ward-Prowse.
The Hammers have a tough game up next when they welcome Chelsea to the London Stadium on Sunday (20 August).
In other West Ham news, a Hammers-linked player is “attracted” by a move to the London Stadium this summer.